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Extinguishing Inequality

Lee 2 Table of Contents First Paragraph .......................................................................................................................4 Second Paragraph...................................................................................................................4 Third Paragraph .....................................................................................................................5 Fourth Paragraph....................................................................................................................6 Fifth Paragraph.......................................................................................................................7

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Outline I. II. Introduction First main point A. Freedom to learn B. Free will III. Second main point A. Relationships B. Appreciation for diversity IV. Third main point A. Standing up without facing prejudice B. Inalienable rights V. Conclusion

Lee 4 Jenny Lee Mrs. Panks Genre Literature 8 June 2011 Extinguishing Inequality First Paragraph We must all be alike. In a cogent remark, Captain Beatty, the primary antagonist in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, elucidates that the destruction of literature brings about the destruction of superiority based on intelligence. The view of Beatty is held by most in the futuristic dystopian society introduced in the book, evidently shown by the practice of burning books. However, one man, Guy Montag, who once engaged himself in this very practice, reflects back and realizes that true happiness and equality comes with the availability of books. As he searches for truth with the help of a few friends such as Clarisse McClellan, he realizes that his society must be rebuilt where there is no censorship of literature so that equality can be promoted in a different manner. Rather than burning books in an attempt to establish equality, it can be promoted if people are given freedom to learn, develop relationships, and are able to stand up for their rights without facing prejudice. Second Paragraph Without the freedom to learn, one will have a clouded vision of equality and will not be able to discern it from bias and prejudice. Beatty barks, A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon. Breach mans mind. Indeed, books can be like loaded weapons containing information and written from certain points of view that might displease some readers. However, books serve as necessary weapons that aim to protect people from the malignant forces of
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Lee 5 apathy and ignorance. Beatty reinforces his claim by adding, Colored people dont like Little Black Sambo. Burn it. White people dont feel good about Uncle Toms Cabin. Burn it. Nonetheless, books like these provide the clearest accounts of what a society can look like without equality. People can learn about the horrors of discrimination and dedicate themselves into promoting equality so that such atrocities can be prevented from ever happening again. Beatty continues by saying, . . . there are no mountains to make them [people] cower, to judge themselves against, if limitations are set on learning. In contrast to this opinion, the freedom to learn promotes free will and encourages everyone to do their best not to fall behind. Free will motivates stronger desires to receive the same, equal treatment as ones superiors and will lead to a higher regard for this right. The liberty to learn brings educated people one step closer into holding an unbiased view towards all members of a society. Third Paragraph The development of relationships is an asset that fosters equality in any given society. The only relationships that many people in Montags society have are the ones with soap opera families. People occupy themselves with just electronics and disregard the idea of spending time with real family members and friends. Thus, the only equal treatment shown is directed towards inanimate objects. In addition, Montags neighbor and friend, Clarisse, mentions how people dont talk about anything. . . . and nobody says anything different from anyone else. No one is unique because they all talk about the same topics that are shallow and insignificant. Through his relationship with Clarisse, Montag realizes that differing opinions and beliefs shared through profound conversations uphold equality because they lead to a greater appreciation for diversity. In one of the many banned books that Montag
student 6/8/11 8:11 PM Comment: What is this? student 6/8/11 8:11 PM Comment: Childrens book with antiBlack messages

Lee 6 hoards in rebellion, he reads, That favourite subject, Myself. He becomes aware that Clarisses favorite subject was not herself, but others. The selfless love and genuine attention she gives Montag helps him to recognize the importance of the lessons of equality that friendships teach. Books, ideas, and beliefs dont have to be eradicated to ensure a balanced and leveled world; rather, it is the development of relationships that provide for a just environment. Fourth Paragraph The ability to stand up for ones rights without becoming the victim of prejudice and malice is another key to establishing an equal society. Captain Beatty reminds Montag, . . . the boy in your own school class who was exceptionally bright did most of the reciting and answering while others sat like so many leaden idols, hating him. Beatty indicates that they should continue with the duty of burning books because only then will minorities not get upset and stirred for lacking the knowledge that another possesses. However, he fails to recognize that taking away one boys knowledge for the sake of a few others is partial and unfair. Moreover, fire consumes the lives of many readers in Montags community, including an old lady whom Montag desperately tries to save. She chooses to die with her books instead of sacrificing the rights to engage herself in literature. Her only crime was reading books written by people just like her, and societys frenzy to secure equality in a twisted manner ultimately leads to her death. In a final stubborn attempt, Beatty questions inalienable rights by saying, Not everyone [is] born free and equal, as the Constitution says, but everyone [must be] made equal. On the contrary, everyone born in a democratic nation naturally assumes equal rights and opportunities to become successful. Laziness and a lack of desire to stand up for these God-given rights is what make people fall behind and blame literature as the source of trouble.
student 6/8/11 8:08 PM Comment: Who said this quote? student 6/8/11 8:09 PM Comment: James Boswell

Lee 7 Equality becomes reality if everyone is given the chance to actively voice their opinions and enjoy their liberties. Fifth Paragraph Literature, along with certain rights, is reduced to ashs under the consuming fires of indifference and naivet in Montags society. People pack their minds with heavy luggage that only contain distorted views of equality. However, changes can be made if people are free to learn, develop beneficial relationships with real people, and speak up for their indisputable rights. Written work and different viewpoints should all be bound in fireproof material that protects against the sweltering blazes of prejudice and persecution. Not [all] must be alike to ensure equality for it is best expressed through diversity and tolerance.

Lee 8 References SparkNotes Editors. SparkNote on Fahrenheit 451. SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007. Web. 2 Jun. 2011.